OUR RECENT UPDATES

Last week we were delighted to have Joanne McCartney, the Deputy Mayor of London, visit Roundwood School and Community Centre and sit in on a One Spirit session to experience the power of mentoring through music. “Each moment showed me just ho
Last week we were delighted to have Joanne McCartney, the Deputy Mayor of London, visit Roundwood School and Community Centre and sit in on a One Spirit session to experience the power of mentoring through music. “Each moment showed me just how creativity and mentoring can transform lives” – Joanne McCartney, Deputy Mayor of London We are proud to be part of the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan’s, New Deal for Young People enabling us to continue supporting young offenders in custody, the community, and those at risk in PRUs, and use music and creative arts to help transform their lives. #ThePowerofMentoring
As we wrap up another term at the Saturday Programme we want to congratulate our students on their fantastic end of term performances – we’re so proud of the hard work they put in over the last 10 weeks. Saturday saw a selection of so
As we wrap up another term at the Saturday Programme we want to congratulate our students on their fantastic end of term performances – we’re so proud of the hard work they put in over the last 10 weeks. Saturday saw a selection of songs from ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’, ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’, ‘Oliver’, and ‘Bugsy Malone’ performed by our I Can Sing! students and a variety of Christmas-themed repertoire from traditional carols to Prokofiev’s ‘Troika’ performed by our CYMH students, along with wonderful performances from our Fledglings, JJJA and Music Treehouse groups. The Saturday Programme returns on 10th January – to join us, apply now at https://zurl.co/hAokn (or visit the link in our bio) to secure your place for our Spring Term!
The story seems straightforward How they got from A to B. How they travelled through the air How they sailed across the sea.   In February 2003, a partnership was formed between HMDT Music, Jubilee Primary School and Creative Partnerships to cr
The story seems straightforward How they got from A to B. How they travelled through the air How they sailed across the sea.   In February 2003, a partnership was formed between HMDT Music, Jubilee Primary School and Creative Partnerships to create a new primary school opera based on the real stories of how students’ parents came to Hackney. The Jubilee Opera Project involved the whole school community, culminating in performances of a new work The World Was All Before Them, which aimed to contribute on an artistic and emotional level to the reality of being a refugee, and celebrate the richness and contribution derived from the arrival of new peoples to the local area.   Throughout the process of developing the opera librettist Alasdair Middleton spoke with parents about how they had come to Hackney before developing the stories which resonated most, through drama and writing workshops in school. Composer Matthew King followed this with composition workshops to develop students’ ideas of how the words should be set to music.   Over a year, the whole school was involved with curricular work developed around the themes and issues of the piece from using a chorus for poetic composition, writing diaries, exploring travel and journeys through geography, history and maths, detailed work on refugees, exploring the role of the UN to marketing. A huge design project to create the costumes, large art pieces to decorate the hall and puppets involved not only the students and a specially created design team, but also parents who assisted with textiles, making costumes and sets.   The World Was All Before Them premiered on 1 July 2004 to celebrate the official opening of Jubilee Primary School’s new hall. The relevance of the opera has continued to live on and has been performed a further 3 times in new productions by our I Can Sing! students, most recently in 2022. The following photos draw on all 4 productions.   To learn more about The World Was All Before Them, visit https://www.hmdtmusic.org.uk/the-world-was-all-before-them   Photos: Liz Murray-Bligh, Clive Barda, Abby Swain
Thought versus Action, Head versus Heart: a sweet and sour operatic adventure…   In May 2007, nine schools from the East Hackney Consortium Education Action Zone commissioned HMDT Music was commissioned to create a piece of work celebrati
Thought versus Action, Head versus Heart: a sweet and sour operatic adventure…   In May 2007, nine schools from the East Hackney Consortium Education Action Zone commissioned HMDT Music was commissioned to create a piece of work celebrating the cultural richness of China to celebrate the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games. The result was Confucius Says, a large-scale programme which engaged over 3500 students, staff and artists in both cross-curricular work and a range of creative activities culminating in a spectacular new opera performed by a cast of 350 at the Hackney Empire in July 2008.   Stephen Plaice’s libretto used Chinese myths and legends, for six core scenes that each primary school performed alongside contributing to creating their scene’s dazzling props and costumes. A series of workshops included composer Richard Taylor working with the schools to develop musical ideas and themes which he incorporated into the finished work. Uniquely the performers also included nurseries, a Special Needs School and a staff choir from all participating schools. In 2008, the accompanying exhibition at the Assembly Halls featured a wealth of written and visual work which had been developed throughout the project alongside over 300 student terracotta warriors celebration of the British Museum’s exhibition.   We are immensely proud that Confucius Says won the RPS Education Award in 2008.   To learn more about Confucius Says, visit www.hmdtmusic.org.uk/confucius-says   Photos: Clive Barda
Hats off to the young and old of Hackney… In 2002, HMDT Music launched Operaction Hackney, a programme offering adult language and literacy courses which would lead to the production of a new community opera for Hackney. Our vision was moti
Hats off to the young and old of Hackney… In 2002, HMDT Music launched Operaction Hackney, a programme offering adult language and literacy courses which would lead to the production of a new community opera for Hackney. Our vision was motivated by what was then the seeds of our now entrenched methodology of embedding the arts across all learning. With learners and a wide range of musical groups contributing to the new work through writing and composition workshops with librettist Alasdair Middleton and composer Matthew King, On London Fields was born. Performed at Hackney Empire in 2004 by several different community performing groups from across the borough, the opera told the historical story of 17th century Hackney’s various religious and political groups brought together by local seer Hannah Trapnel rebelling against Oliver Cromwell’s regime and how they came together as a community. We are proud that Operaction Hackney: On London Fields won the Royal Philharmonic Society music award for Education in 2004. To learn more about On London Fields, visit: https://www.hmdtmusic.org.uk/on-london-fields Photos: Ken Howard
He could not fight, and yet he fought His sacrifice was not for naught. He bravely yielded up his life A hero’s gift midst raging strife.   This #RemembranceDay, HMDT Music is reflecting on the service and sacrifice made by those who give
He could not fight, and yet he fought His sacrifice was not for naught. He bravely yielded up his life A hero’s gift midst raging strife.   This #RemembranceDay, HMDT Music is reflecting on the service and sacrifice made by those who give their lives in wars across the world to defend the freedoms that we enjoy today.   Between 2014-2018, Trench Brothers our national schools project which commemorates the achievements and contributions made by Indian Army, British West Indies Regiment, and black British soldiers during the First World War, reached over 50 schools across England. It offered object handling, costumed interpreter, puppet making and composition workshops alongside our extensive Education Zone of 90 lesson plans and activities in preparation for the opportunity to perform a specially commissioned music theatre work by composers Julian Joseph and Richard Taylor and librettist Tertia Sefton-Green. In 2017 the Trench Brother Exhibition was launched in Lancashire museums supported by interactive events. In 2018, Trench Brothers culminated in large-scale performances at the Brighton Dome and the National Memorial Arboretum.   The Trench Brothers project lives on today with our interactive workshops for KS1, KS2 and KS3 students which bring the First World War to life through handling artefacts and memorabilia or meeting a uniformed Sepoy.   To learn more about our Trench Brothers project, or to arrange a workshop for your school, visit https://www.hmdt.org.uk/hmdtmusic/trenchbrothers/   Photos: Clive Barda
In essence, the result is an opera for children, by children… Today we are looking back at our first commission, The Hackney Chronicles (2001), by leading British composer Johnathan Dove and librettist Alasdair Middleton. The Hackney Chroni
In essence, the result is an opera for children, by children… Today we are looking back at our first commission, The Hackney Chronicles (2001), by leading British composer Johnathan Dove and librettist Alasdair Middleton. The Hackney Chronicles, a children’s opera for primary schools to perform, follows Hackney’s history through four periods: the Anglo-Saxons, the Elizabethans, the Victorians, and the Blitz. In each month-long residency, two classes gained skills in performing, stage-managing, designing and marketing with the aid of a small professional team, whilst all their lessons used our accompanying cross-curricular resources supported by site visits to relevant museums. This structure launched our award-winning methodology of embedding the arts across all learning, in this instance helping children discover how history can be learnt in an artistic environment. The programme flourished for 5 years reaching 12 schools with each residency culminating in high quality performances and we still perform scenes from the opera with our I Can Sing! students. To find out more about The Hackney Chronicles, visit https://zurl.co/VFARu Photos: Ken Howard
In a time of segregation, when jazz and baseball flourished, a courageous group of men struggled to achieve their dream despite the odds… The first story in our 30th Anniversary Retrospective celebrates #BlackHistoryMonth with Shadowball our
In a time of segregation, when jazz and baseball flourished, a courageous group of men struggled to achieve their dream despite the odds… The first story in our 30th Anniversary Retrospective celebrates #BlackHistoryMonth with Shadowball our jazz opera and baseball project which premiered in 2010 and toured locally and nationally (Hackney Empire, The Drum, Sheffield Crucible) in 2011-12. Delivered in partnership with BaseballSoftballUK, Shadowball tells the stories of the black athletes in the Negro Leagues, who were not allowed to play in the Major Leagues until Jackie Robinson broke the colour barrier in 1947, and their jazz compatriots. Shadowball led to Julian Joseph becoming our patron, the creation of the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy and the founding of I Can Sing! all of which continue to thrive today. To find out more about this ground-breaking project visit https://zurl.co/zbFKK or watch the story behind Shadowball on: https://zurl.co/Yu8aU Photos: Clive Barda
🎉Today is HMDT Music’s 30th birthday! 🎉 We’re extremely proud to be able to share our achievements over the past 30 years and celebrate our success in developing award-winning projects that have had a transformational impact on so many
🎉Today is HMDT Music’s 30th birthday! 🎉 We’re extremely proud to be able to share our achievements over the past 30 years and celebrate our success in developing award-winning projects that have had a transformational impact on so many people. Over the next few weeks we will be sharing a Retrospective of some of our ground-breaking projects and experiences here and on our website. Over the past 3 decades we have: • Worked with over 60,000 participants and reached around 100,000 audience members 👤 • Commissioned and performed over 130 new works 🎼🎶 • Received 3 national awards, 7 smaller ones and numerous nominations 🏆 • Worked with over 2,000 schools 🏫 • Delivered over 150,000 workshops, lessons, rehearsals and group sessions 💡 • Given over 750 performances 🎭 • Worked in 7 custody settings and with over 15 YOTs, Probations and PRUs 🏢 • Worked with over 150 partners in 17 different counties of England, over 15 London boroughs and 5 countries 🌍 Throughout, we have maintained our commitment to artistic excellence, innovation, community and inclusivity in our mission to offering all young people, particularly those most disadvantaged, inspiring opportunities to enrich learning and transform lives. Our thanks go to all the amazing funders, supporters, partners, artists, teachers, volunteers, staff and of course participants, who have helped us on our journey and enabled us to continue thriving despite the plethora of challenges facing arts organisations that we have overcome and continue to face. Thank you! Tertia Sefton-Green CEO
One Spirit has been shortlisted for Outstanding Musical Initiative at the Music & Drama Education Awards 2026! ✨ Since 2010, One Spirit has worked with young offenders in custody, the community, and those at risk in PRUs, using music and creativ
One Spirit has been shortlisted for Outstanding Musical Initiative at the Music & Drama Education Awards 2026! ✨ Since 2010, One Spirit has worked with young offenders in custody, the community, and those at risk in PRUs, using music and creative arts to help support and transform their lives. We are proud that this important programme which plays a crucial role in intervention is being recognised for its fantastic work, and would like to wish a huge congratulations to everyone involved with One Spirit!
We're delighted that two of our talented CYMH students have been participating in Next Generation, part of @London Symphony Orchestra 'On Track'. Guided by LSO, the young ensemble improvised and developed a unique piece of music which they then perfo
We're delighted that two of our talented CYMH students have been participating in Next Generation, part of @London Symphony Orchestra 'On Track'. Guided by LSO, the young ensemble improvised and developed a unique piece of music which they then performed at the Barbican Centre together with the London Symphony Orchestra. Their families shared how The Saturday Programme has helped prepare both their children for such opportunities: "My child first learned to play the flute at the Saturday Programme and is now working towards his Grade 6 exam. While his school orchestra, the LSO and mentoring from Guildhall students greatly enrich his exposure, his main learning comes from the Saturday Programme" "Much of his readiness for these opportunities stems from his experience learning bassoon at the Saturday Programme which gives him regular ensemble practice, encouragement to explore new repertoire, and the discipline needed to perform at a high level" We welcome players of all levels at our Saturday Programme, so visit https://zurl.co/gs4Gk to join us and expand your child's musical horizons! 🎶
On Tuesday, in celebration of the Mayor’s New Deal for Young People delivering quality mentoring to over 100,000 young people, ‘The Power of Mentoring: NDYP Celebration Event’ brought together colleagues and young people from the fu
On Tuesday, in celebration of the Mayor’s New Deal for Young People delivering quality mentoring to over 100,000 young people, ‘The Power of Mentoring: NDYP Celebration Event’ brought together colleagues and young people from the funded projects across London and shared the impact with key members of the youth sector through inspiring stories and amazing performances. We were thrilled to have two One Spirit participants perform at the event, with one participant, Kyrone, reflecting on his experience: "I was mad nervous, and then as the audio didn't play at the start I got even more nervous, like what am I supposed to do now. But somehow, I just kept talking and it was cool, the audience seemed to get behind me, which was good. Then the backing track started playing and I was ok. When I finished, I just felt gassed, it was such a good feeling. It's the first time I've ever performed live so I'm mad grateful for the chance and though I was cautious before, now I just want to be performing regularly". HMDT Music is proud to be part of the Mayor’s New Deal for Young People, and of the crucial role that One Spirit plays in intervention, using music and creative arts to help support and transform the lives of the most vulnerable young people in our community, who are at risk of and/or already embroiled in the criminal justice system and consistently facing systematic discrimination and racial inequity.
Discover music in a way that works for everybody 🎵🌟 Music Treehouse offers children aged 2-25 with SEN/D the opportunity to develop their creative music-making, expression, communication, and social skills, working with a team of experienced music
Discover music in a way that works for everybody 🎵🌟 Music Treehouse offers children aged 2-25 with SEN/D the opportunity to develop their creative music-making, expression, communication, and social skills, working with a team of experienced musicians and renowned workshop leaders. Uniquely, we also offer the opportunity for individual sessions with a music therapist. "Music Treehouse has definitely developed my daughter’s love of playing and she can now play a tune and never stops singing!" - Music Treehouse Parent Music Treehouse returns for the Autumn Term on 27 September, so visit https://zurl.co/8wMTd (link in bio) and complete our application form to join us! 🔗 Photos: Abby Swain
Looking to create magical musical moments with your baby/ toddler? ✨ The Music Box provides the perfect opportunity for children under 4 to explore basic rhythms and melodies, experience a variety of cultural and musical traditions through live gues
Looking to create magical musical moments with your baby/ toddler? ✨ The Music Box provides the perfect opportunity for children under 4 to explore basic rhythms and melodies, experience a variety of cultural and musical traditions through live guest musicians, and develop their listening and communication skills in a relaxed environment. We also help you gain the confidence and skills to experiment and enjoy music making at home with your children! The Music Box is also a fantastic entry point to the Saturday Programme, enabling children to progress through our Fledglings and Minis Programmes. 📆 We have very limited spaces available for our Autumn Term so apply now at https://zurl.co/gJl7v to secure your place (link in bio) 🔗 Photos: Clive Barda, Abby Swain
Calling young Jazzers! 🎷🎼 JJJA, a weekly Academy under the artistic direction of internationally renowned jazz pianist and composer Julian Joseph, offers talented young instrumentalists and vocalists the opportunity to work with some of the world&
Calling young Jazzers! 🎷🎼 JJJA, a weekly Academy under the artistic direction of internationally renowned jazz pianist and composer Julian Joseph, offers talented young instrumentalists and vocalists the opportunity to work with some of the world’s top jazz musicians to develop their creative talents and performance skills, through exploring the American roots of Jazz. Applications for JJJA are taken all year round from young people aged 11-25 and entry is by audition, which can be arranged through video submission throughout the academic year. 📆 Apply now to join for our Autumn Term, beginning on 20 September. For more info, visit https://zurl.co/3s3HQ (link in bio) 🔗 Photos: Abby Swain
Last week we were delighted to have Joanne McCartney, the Deputy Mayor of London, visit Roundwood School and Community Centre and sit in on a One Spirit session to experience the power of mentoring through music. “Each moment showed me just ho As we wrap up another term at the Saturday Programme we want to congratulate our students on their fantastic end of term performances – we’re so proud of the hard work they put in over the last 10 weeks. Saturday saw a selection of so The story seems straightforward How they got from A to B. How they travelled through the air How they sailed across the sea.   In February 2003, a partnership was formed between HMDT Music, Jubilee Primary School and Creative Partnerships to cr Thought versus Action, Head versus Heart: a sweet and sour operatic adventure…   In May 2007, nine schools from the East Hackney Consortium Education Action Zone commissioned HMDT Music was commissioned to create a piece of work celebrati Hats off to the young and old of Hackney… In 2002, HMDT Music launched Operaction Hackney, a programme offering adult language and literacy courses which would lead to the production of a new community opera for Hackney. Our vision was moti He could not fight, and yet he fought His sacrifice was not for naught. He bravely yielded up his life A hero’s gift midst raging strife.   This #RemembranceDay, HMDT Music is reflecting on the service and sacrifice made by those who give In essence, the result is an opera for children, by children… Today we are looking back at our first commission, The Hackney Chronicles (2001), by leading British composer Johnathan Dove and librettist Alasdair Middleton. The Hackney Chroni In a time of segregation, when jazz and baseball flourished, a courageous group of men struggled to achieve their dream despite the odds… The first story in our 30th Anniversary Retrospective celebrates #BlackHistoryMonth with Shadowball our 🎉Today is HMDT Music’s 30th birthday! 🎉 We’re extremely proud to be able to share our achievements over the past 30 years and celebrate our success in developing award-winning projects that have had a transformational impact on so many One Spirit has been shortlisted for Outstanding Musical Initiative at the Music & Drama Education Awards 2026! ✨ Since 2010, One Spirit has worked with young offenders in custody, the community, and those at risk in PRUs, using music and creativ We're delighted that two of our talented CYMH students have been participating in Next Generation, part of @London Symphony Orchestra 'On Track'. Guided by LSO, the young ensemble improvised and developed a unique piece of music which they then perfo On Tuesday, in celebration of the Mayor’s New Deal for Young People delivering quality mentoring to over 100,000 young people, ‘The Power of Mentoring: NDYP Celebration Event’ brought together colleagues and young people from the fu Discover music in a way that works for everybody 🎵🌟 Music Treehouse offers children aged 2-25 with SEN/D the opportunity to develop their creative music-making, expression, communication, and social skills, working with a team of experienced music Looking to create magical musical moments with your baby/ toddler? ✨ The Music Box provides the perfect opportunity for children under 4 to explore basic rhythms and melodies, experience a variety of cultural and musical traditions through live gues Calling young Jazzers! 🎷🎼 JJJA, a weekly Academy under the artistic direction of internationally renowned jazz pianist and composer Julian Joseph, offers talented young instrumentalists and vocalists the opportunity to work with some of the world&